Comtech Systems, Inc. is the world leader in troposcatter communications, with systems deployed globally for both commercial and military applications. Comtech troposcatter components are designed from the ground up specifically for troposcatter applications, providing the highest level of performance in the industry. Our equipment is currently operating in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and South America, in a variety of environments ranging from the extremes of the arctic and deserts, to maritime and tropical settings. Read More

Industries & Capabilities

For over 30 years, Comtech has been providing communications systems specifically developed for the world’s most demanding applications, including remote oil exploration, air defense systems and C4ISR Command and Control. Comtech’s proven equipment and design expertise are backed up by proven expertise in installation, support, and customer-specific training. Read More

Comtech mobile troposcatter systems have been deployed around the world, in diverse conditions ranging from scorching deserts to rainy jungles and the freezing arctic.

These systems are configured for transit cases, trailers, and vehicle-based platforms to meet the unique requirements of Comtech’s customers. Click here to find out more.

The World Leader in Digital Troposcatter Systems

For over 30 years, Comtech has been providing communications systems specifically developed for the world’s most demanding applications,

including remote oil exploration, air defense systems and C4ISR Command and Control. Click here for more.

About Us

Troposcatter Overview

Featured Products

Legacy Modem Status

troposcatter communication

troposcatter channel simulator

Who We Are

Founded in 1967 as Comtech Laboratories, Comtech Systems, Inc. has spent over 40 years designing and implementing cutting-edge solutions to the toughest communications challenges worldwide. In addition to the US military, our customers include foreign governments and militaries across the globe. Additionally, we provide remote communication solutions to the commercial sector, including some of the world’s largest energy companies, such as Royal Dutch Shell, Petronas, and PEMEX.

troposcatter communication

Troposcatte

vsat systems

r Overview

Advanced Troposcatter Systems provide high capacity, low-latency data links for over-the-horizon distances, without the need to rely on satellites or multiple line-of-site repeaters. They also provide a level of reliability and availability that matches or exceeds other communication formats, such as line of site microwave and satellite communications. These systems have little in common with the troposcatter (tropo) equipment developed for long-haul communications from the 1950s to the 1980s, much like computers today bear little resemblance to the computers of that era. The common element is that all troposcatter systems function by using the non-homogenous elements present in the lowest level of the atmosphere— such as water vapor, dust, and atmospheric variations— to scatter a small portion of the transmitted energy forward in a predictable manner.

A troposcatter system is a point-to-point link that requires a terminal on each end, with each terminal both transmitting and receiving. Terminals can range in size from a portable transit case system, to a vehicle-mounted system or large fixed installation. The antenna(s) at each terminal are aimed at a fixed point in the troposphere, generally slightly above the horizon. The region where the antenna beams intersect is known as the “Common Volume.”. The Common Volume is where this predictable scattering phenomena occurs.

Due to the nature of troposcatter propagation, only a tiny portion of the energy is scattered forward in a usable manner. The vast majority of energy passes on into space and is lost, and a small amount of non-useable scatter energy is lost as it disperses in other directions. A troposcatter system uses the remaining energy to create a stable and secure data link. For a full overview of Troposcatter technology, click here.

troposcatter radio links

Tropospheric scatter

MTTS

Comtech’s Modular Transportable Transmission System [MTTS] is the most flexible mobile troposcatter terminal available. The main elements of the MTTS are the Modem Converter Case, which contains the CS67200i Digital Troposcatter Modem and the CS4400 Frequency Converter System, and the RF Case, which houses the TRP500-4450 Solid State Power Amplifier. When paired with a C-Band troposcatter antenna, the system provides a complete troposcatter communications solution in a rapidly deployable package.

The modular design allows users to take a building block approach to deployment, only utilizing the cases needed for a specific mission objective, with the ability to increase the power of the systems as those requirements change. The MC Case (paired with a C-Band antenna) can function as a stand-alone line of site transmission system for short range and unobstructed links. The addition of a single RF case enables dual diversity troposcatter and diffraction links, for medium range and obstructed communications, and a second RF Case (with antenna) provides Quad Diversity troposcatter communications for maximum range.

The portable transit case design allows for more flexible deployment options than traditional trailer or vehicle based troposcatter systems. The MTTS cases can be carried to the top of a building or over terrain that is inaccessible by vehicles in order to optimize transmission paths, as well as be transported inside a helicopter or SUV if required.

Data Rates up to 22 Mbps

Line of Site to 150km+ range (terrain dependent)

Modular transit case design for maximum flexibility

Can utilize any C-Band antenna with a troposcatter feed

Optional Tri-mode configuration enables LOS, Tropo, and VSAT communications with one common set of equipment

Core System Elements [1 x MC Case / 1 x RF Case]

CS67200i Digital Troposcatter Modem

CS4400 Frequency Converter System

TRP500-4450 Solid State Power Amplifier

QUICK Troposcatter Path Analysis Program

troposcatter communication systems

Support of Legacy

troposcatter radio systems

Comtech Modems, including the TM-20

Having received questions relative to the availability and support of the Comtech Digital High capacity troposcatter modem family including the TM-20 modem, Comtech is supplying the following clarification.

Comtech Systems is the world leader in troposcatter systems and has been for the past 40 years, delivering more high capacity systems (8 Mbps and greater) than any other company in the history of troposcatter. A key Comtech Systems differentiator is that we also lead in the research and development of new troposcatter technology and techniques.

As a systems solution provider with a large installed base and whose core business is troposcatter, Comtech Systems has and continues to invest in future troposcatter technology development and in our product support services. This assures our customers that they will always have state-of-the-art equipment and that Comtech Systems will support our systems for the life of their applications.

Comtech Systems currently offers and supports only the S-575, and CS6700 series modems. This includes the S-575 (8Mb/s), and the advanced CS67200 and the US Military CS 6716 family of 22 MB/s modems which are the most advanced modems in the market today. The US military has purchased over 350 of the Comtech 6700 series modems to date and has effectively standardized on the CS6700 modem family.

The TM-20 modem* was taken out of production in 2009, after extensive evaluations by Comtech and evaluation by the US Military. The superior performance of the Comtech designed modems already in use, and the very limited sales and market acceptance of the TM-20 made the decision to cease production clear.

THEREFORE:

Since we understand that the Comtech TM-20 modem is still being offered in some markets as a current, supportable modem; as a service to our customers and potential troposcatter customers Comtech wishes to clearly state its position on the TM-20.

The TM-20 is carried as an “obsolete” product and has been out of production since 2009. Comtech will not go back into production of this modem.

There is no Comtech support for warranty or repair service or spare parts for this modem.

The only support for this modem may come from inventories of these old modems manufactured between 2005 -2009 that may still be available from others. Some components used in the TM-20 are no-longer available.

Comtech values its name and reputation and wants to make sure that customers understand Comtech’s position on its modem family.